Quilting pressing table and method of use

ABSTRACT

A quilting pressing table ( 1 ) having a frame ( 18 ), which is preferably a walker, and a pressing board ( 2 ), which is preferably an ironing board. The frame ( 18 ) has telescoping legs ( 6 ) which permit height adjustment. A folding release button ( 8 ) allows a user to fold the frame ( 18 ). Caps ( 10 ) are located on the bottoms of the legs ( 6 ) so as to prevent scratching and sliding of the frame ( 18 ). The pressing board ( 2 ) has a top side ( 3 ) and a bottom side ( 4 ) wherein the top side ( 3 ) of the pressing board ( 2 ) allows a user to press or iron material thereon and a means for securing the pressing board ( 2 ) to the frame ( 18 ) is located on the bottom side ( 4 ). When not in use, the frame ( 18 ) is folded and the pressing board ( 2 ) is secured to the frame ( 18 ) for easy transportation and storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to tables, and more particularly, a quilting pressing table that is convenient and easy to use, especially in confined spaces.

Quilting has deep roots in many societies throughout the world. Originally worn under armor, quilted material began being used for luxurious bed coverings by the wealthy during the Renaissance. Today, quilts have become commonplace throughout the world. Not only have the use and ownership of quilts increased exponentially, but the number of individuals who sew the quilts, known as quilters, has increased as well.

According to a 2003 Quilting in America survey presented by Quilter's Newsletter Magazine®, the quilting market “continues to grow with 15% (16.27 million) of U.S. households reporting quilting participation. Total quilters in the U.S. now exceed 21 million, which represents a 50% increase from the 14 million quilters reported in 1997.” Thus, many more individuals are enjoying the process of creating quilts.

When a person sews a quilt, pressing is not an option, but is rather a necessity. He or she must press each and every section of the quilt in order to smooth and flatten the stitch seams between the cloth sections. This requires that the quilter stand up from the sewing machine used to sew the quilt and move the quilt to a conventional ironing board for pressing purposes. Such a requirement is not only very tiresome, but also considerably increases the time it takes to make the quilt. However, if the quilter does not press the seams or the outer cloth layers, the quilt may become bunched and, therefore, have an unattractive appearance. In addition, the use of irons is necessary for several innovative and much-used quilt-making techniques, such as freezer paper applique and foundation paper piecing patchwork. Thus, there exists the need for a device which permits a quilter to press a quilt under construction without having to move from his or her sewing machine.

The relevant prior art includes the following patents: Patent No. (U.S. Issue/ unless stated otherwise) Inventor Publication Date 4,565,021 Kay et al. 01-21-1986 6,729,342 Serhan 05-04-2004 3,232,251 Hughes 02-01-1966 4,799,321 Johnson 01-24-1989 5,205,222 Bernard 04-27-1993 1,277,395 Croce 09-03-1918 4,032,103 Ehrichs 06-28-1977 6,085,669 Marchand et al. 07-11-2000 2,785,936 Cvikich 03-19-1957 2004/0187901 Diamond 09-30-2004

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is easy to use.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is has an adjustable height.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is lightweight and foldable.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is easy to store.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is sturdy.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that is easy to carry.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that can be placed at a position to the left or right of a quilter and abutted to a table top.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that has a large amount of leg room.

An even further object of the present invention is to provide a quilting pressing table that supports the weight of a quilt during the quilting process.

The present invention fulfills the above and other objects by providing a quilting pressing table comprised of two components: a flat pressing board and a folding stand. The flat pressing board preferably has a removable soft and cushion-like cover, similar to that of an ironing board, and can be of various shapes and sizes. Clamps are located on a bottom of the pressing board for use in the securing the board to the folding stand. The folding stand is preferably made of sturdy yet lightweight material, has three sides and is height-adjustable.

To use the present invention, the user first unfolds the stand so as to stand upright independently near the user's sewing machine. Then, the user attaches the board to the stand via the clamps. A user may then adjust the height by using the telescoping legs with press-in button springs located on the stand. Once finished quilting, the user simply detaches the board from the stand, folds the stand, secures the board to the now folded stand via the clamps and places the board and stand in a storage area. Because the board and folded stand are now substantially flat, storage is simple.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention should become even more readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings wherein there is shown and described illustrative embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following detailed description, reference will be made to the attached drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a frontal view of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 and showing a chair;

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the press board of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention folded for storage; and

FIG. 5 is a top view of a press board of the present invention having an optional quilt holding attachment and an optional side table.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of describing the preferred embodiment, the terminology used in reference to the numbered components in the drawings is as follows:

-   -   1. quilting pressing table     -   2. pressing board     -   3. top side     -   4. bottom side     -   5. clamp     -   6. leg     -   7. rear side support     -   8. folding release button     -   9. leg side support     -   10. cap     -   11. button spring     -   12. plate     -   13. fastening device     -   14. hinge     -   15. quilt holding attachment     -   16. side table     -   17. clamp arm     -   18. frame     -   19. handle

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, varying views of the quilting pressing table 1 of the present invention are shown. The quilting pressing table 1 includes a frame 18, preferably made of a lightweight aluminum material, and a pressing board 2.

The frame 18, which is preferably a walker, has two legs 6 connected via rear side supports 7. A folding release button 8 located on a rear side support 7 allows a user to fold the frame 18. Caps 10 are located on the bottoms of the legs 6 so as to prevent scratching and sliding of the frame 18 on a surface. The two legs 6 are telescopic and allow a user to adjust the height of the frame 18 by simply pressing the button springs 11 located on the legs 6. Leg side supports 9 are located on each leg 6 for added stability.

The pressing board 2, which is preferably a small ironing board, has a top side 3 and a bottom side 4. The top side 3 of the pressing board 2 allows a user to press or iron material thereon. A means for securing the pressing board 2 to the frame 18 are located on the bottom side 4 of the pressing board 2. The preferable means for securing the pressing board 2 to the frame 18 are clamps 5 having clamp arms 17. When the pressing board 2 is secured to the frame 18, the clamps 5 lock onto the handles 19, thereby creating a quilting pressing table 1. Although the shape of a small ironing board is shown in the drawings, the pressing board 2 may be of any shape or size, so long as it is substantially planar.

In FIG. 3, a bottom view of the pressing board 2 is shown. Plates 12 secured to the bottom side 4 of the pressing board 2 via a fastening device 13, preferably screws, hold the clamps 5 in place.

In FIG. 4, a perspective view illustrates the present invention shown as folded and ready for storage or travel. To fold the present invention, a user simply presses the folding release button 8 and turns one leg 6 inward so it is proximate the rear side supports 7. Then, the user turns the second leg 6 inward so it is proximate the first leg 6. To make storage or travel easier, a user may then secure the pressing board 2 to the handle 19 via the clamps 5. Because the invention is now substantially flat, users may store it in small areas.

Finally, with reference to FIG. 5, a top view of the top side 3 of the pressing board 2 is shown with an optional quilt holding attachment 15 and an optional side table 16. The quilt holding attachment 15 and side table 16 are secured to the pressing board 2 via hinges 14. Thus, a user may fold the quilt holding attachment 15 and/or side table 16 on top of the pressing board 2 so as to make the invention more compact. Although the present invention is shown with both the quilt holding attachment 15 and the side table 16, a user may only prefer to use only the pressing board 2 or any combination of optional attachments, and/or a side table 16.

The use of the present invention will eliminate the need for quilters to use a conventional ironing board for pressing and ironing purposes. In addition, because the present invention may be placed to the left of the quilter while the quilter is seated at a sewing machine, the quilter will not need to get out of his or her chair to press or iron the quilt but need only turn.

It is to be understood that while a certain form of the invention is illustrated, it is not to be limited to the specific form or arrangement of parts herein described and shown. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention and the invention is not be considered limited to what is shown and described in the specification and drawings. 

1. A quilting pressing table comprising: a foldable frame; said foldable frame having a first pair of vertical legs; said foldable frame having a second pair of vertical legs; said first pair of vertical legs is parallel to said second pair of vertical legs; said first and second pairs of vertical legs are separated sufficiently so as form a substantially rectangular leg room area; and a substantially planar pressing board attachable to said foldable frame.
 2. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: said substantially planar pressing board is attachable to said foldable frame via clamps.
 3. (canceled)
 4. The quilting pressing table of claim 3 wherein: said legs are telescoping.
 5. The quilting pressing table of claim 3 wherein: said legs have caps.
 6. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: a quilt holding attachment is secured to said substantially planar pressing board.
 7. The quilting pressing table of claim 6 wherein: said quilt holding attachment is secured to said substantially planar pressing board via hinges.
 8. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: a side table is secured to said substantially planar pressing board.
 9. The quilting pressing table of claim 8 wherein: said side table is secured to said substantially planar pressing board via hinges.
 10. The quilting pressing table of claim 6 wherein: a side table is secured to said substantially planar pressing board.
 11. The quilting pressing table of claim 9 wherein: said side table is secured to said substantially planar pressing board via hinges.
 12. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: said foldable frame has a folding release button.
 13. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: said foldable frame is a walker.
 14. The quilting pressing table of claim 1 wherein: said substantially planar pressing board is an ironing board.
 15. A method for using a quilting pressing table comprising a foldable frame; said foldable frame having a first pair of vertical legs; said foldable frame having a second pair of vertical legs; said first pair of vertical legs is parallel to said second pair of vertical legs; said first and second pairs of vertical legs are separated sufficiently so as form a substantially rectangular leg room area; and a substantially planar pressing board attachable to said foldable frame, said method comprising the steps of: a. opening said foldable frame such that it stands upright; b. securing said substantially planar pressing board to said foldable frame; and c. a user pressing or ironing material on said substantially planar pressing board.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the steps after step c of: a. removing said substantially planar pressing board from said foldable frame; b. folding said foldable frame; and c. securing said substantially planar pressing board to said foldable frame.
 17. A quilting pressing table comprising: a foldable frame wherein said frame is a walker; and a substantially planar pressing board attachable to said foldable frame. 